We can use an outdoor security camera to catch vandals in the act if they are defacing private property. But how do you protect the camera itself from vandalism? While there are no 100% vandal proof solutions, we can reduce the risk greatly by considering these four key factors when installing our outdoor security camera.

We must take into consideration the design of the camera or the housing the camera will be encased in. Then how the camera is mounted, where it is mounted, and the very placement of the camera are factors that will determine the amount of risk the camera is in. We can also use intelligent video alarms to deter vandals.

When it comes to the physical toughness of the camera or housing, something made of metal can offer much stronger protection than something made of plastic. Also, a traditional fixed camera that sticks out of a wall or ceiling is more prone to physical destruction than a dome PTZ camera or a dome shaped housing. Also, how it is hidden amongst its environment has a lot to do with whether it is a target for vandalism.

How the camera is mounted also will determine the level of protection from physical abuse. Mounting the camera or housing flush with a wall or ceiling is much more effective than simply mounting it on the wall or ceiling. If most of the camera is mounted inside with only the transparent part showing, it is much better protected from different angles. We also want the cables to be pulled directly through the wall or ceiling but if that can’t be then at least run the cables through a metal conduit tube to protect the cables.

The next important factor to minimize the risk of vandalism is placement of the camera. Placing the camera in a place that is conveniently out of reach filters out the unassuming attackers since it takes an extra step of contemplation to attack something that is not within arm’s reach and that reduces spur-the-moment vandals. The only things that may limit placement options are viewing angles.

Axis’ active tampering alarm feature helps protect cameras against vandalism. It can detect if a camera has been redirected, obscured or tampered with, and can send alarms to operators. This is especially useful in installations with hundreds of cameras in demanding environments where keeping track of the proper functioning of all cameras is difficult. It is also useful in situations where no live viewing takes place and operators can be notified when cameras have been tampered with.

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